Efficiency, ergonomics and network support – the present and future of EV charging stations

With an expert eye

Jacek Stężowski , Editor  of e-magazyny.pl

Charging electric vehicles stands out as a crucial aspect within the ongoing automotive revolution. Debates surrounding e-mobility often revolve around charging speed, infrastructure accessibility and costs, and the necessity to align the network with the increasing number of charging stations.

Thankfully, the charging station sector is witnessing dynamic growth, with innovative projects emerging as technological solutions to address these challenges. Notable solutions include inductive charging, charging stations tailored for urban settings, and the implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid technology. These advancements provide promising avenues for tackling key issues in the electric vehicle charging landscape.

Speed ​​matters

Amidst the growing array of responsibilities, consumers are increasingly valuing time-saving solutions, leading to the evolution of Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging technology. This sector sees regular innovations, and Piotr Krzemiński, the Chief Operating Officer at Euroloop and WILLBERT, shared insights into the fast charging station market.

Fast charging stations are gaining interest not only from fuel companies and charging network operators but also from companies diversifying their income streams alongside existing activities. Often tied to the electrification of a company’s fleet, such investments are viewed as opportunities to expand revenue sources. The dynamic market development makes business models centered around selling energy to electric drivers attractive. Efficient chargers that reduce operating costs and adhere to legal regulations are essential. EUROLOOP, focusing on comprehensive services in fast EV charging, offers modular WILLBERT loaders adaptable to various market conditions. Boasting the highest efficiency on the market (above 97%), these loaders significantly cut operating costs by minimizing energy losses. The dedicated IT system ensures constant infrastructure monitoring, enhancing charger network reliability. With features like managing ads on the loader screen and maintenance-free card payment settlements for operators, WILLBERT aims to improve the experience for both operators and EV drivers.

According to Piotr Krzemiński, COO of Euroloop, the future will see an increase in DC chargers not only along fast routes but also in diverse locations beyond main thoroughfares. This expansion is expected to enhance awareness among charging network operators and improve the reliability of installed solutions.

No cables

Around the world, nearly 100 startups have set out to eliminate cables from charging stations, focusing on inductive charging technology for electric vehicles. Although inductive charging stations have been available for some years, widespread adoption has been limited, possibly due to cost considerations and certain technological constraints. However, these limitations are gradually decreasing. Induction stations now achieve charging speeds comparable to plug-in solutions, and their application extends beyond home stations.

In the USA, charging stations with a power capacity exceeding 250 kW are successfully operating, supporting public transport. Berlin buses and taxis in Norway waiting in parking spaces are also charged inductively. The absence of cables in charging stations opens up significant possibilities. Just four years ago, Sweden celebrated the opening of the world’s first road for charging vehicles while driving, and today, numerous such roads exist globally, including in Italy, China, and the USA.

Additionally, long-distance wireless charging (LDWC) technology is available, allowing power transmission over several meters with high efficiency and safety. The wireless charging station sector is increasingly attractive to vehicle manufacturers, collaborating with technology companies to adapt induction stations to the car aftermarket. Companies like ABT e-Line and WiTricity have announced plans to provide wireless charging technology for electric vehicles in the European aftermarket. Leveraging their experience from collaborations within the Volkswagen Group, ABT e-Line will commence the project by modernizing the ID.4 model, with the first results expected in 2024.

Support for operators and drivers

The evolving infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations poses management challenges, prompting the emergence of CMS (Charging Management System) software in the market. These comprehensive platforms facilitate the streamlined management of multiple charging stations within a specific area. Operators can exercise control over station availability, customer pricing, payment methods, and balance charges across various points.

CMS technology proves crucial in a dynamically changing market by enabling operators to differentiate prices for end users. These applications empower operators to set prices based on kilowatt-hour (kWh), session duration, hourly rates, or any combination. Operators can also offer discounts and subscription options to customers.

Moreover, technology extends support to drivers with the availability of smartphone applications designed to simplify electric car travel. Notable examples include A Better Routeplanner, allowing users to plan routes based on electric car models, defined energy consumption at specific speeds, and the number of planned stops. Other apps, like Plugshare, help users locate nearby charging stations, providing information on compatibility with their car model and distinguishing between fast and slow charging options. Users can even mark a station as occupied or in use.

Furthermore, many charging station operators offer their own dedicated mobile applications to enhance the user experience.

Chargers in an urban area

In the upcoming years, a significant surge in the number of charging stations is expected, particularly in urban areas where demand is anticipated to be high. To address this, engineers globally are innovating to integrate EV charging infrastructure in city centers and tight neighborhoods in the least intrusive manner possible.

An inventive solution in this realm is the development of charging curbs by the German company Rheinmetal. As the name implies, charging stations are concealed within the curbs, seamlessly incorporating the infrastructure into the city landscape and rendering it virtually invisible. This technology facilitates charging with a maximum power of 22 kW. Currently undergoing testing as a pilot project in the public traffic area of Cologne, charging curbs present a novel approach to urban charging infrastructure.

Another intriguing concept comes from the startup Ecoro, which envisions moving freight transport underground through dedicated rail systems in tunnels beneath roads. In the German company’s concept, the roads above these tunnels would be covered with photovoltaic (PV) installations and inductive chargers. The electricity generated would power the underground transport and charge vehicles traveling on the surface. Notably, this modular solution allows for the construction of 300 meters of such a system in a single day.

Source: ecoro-road.com

Energy storage on four wheels

Electromobility is intricately linked with network flexibility, and despite Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology being known for over two decades, it now holds the potential to become a pivotal element in e-mobility. The growing charging infrastructure and the increasing number of electric vehicles on Polish roads pose challenges to the power grid.

V2G technology can enhance network flexibility by enabling electric vehicles to be charged during periods of low energy demand, such as at night, or when renewable energy production is at its peak. The energy not utilized during driving can be fed back into the grid during peak hours or sudden spikes in demand. Moreover, electric vehicles have the capacity to store more electricity than an average household requires daily. Consequently, these vehicles could serve as emergency power sources for homes for several days, employing Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology.

The first V2G charger in Poland has been implemented in Bolechów, enabling bidirectional energy flow and transforming an electric bus into a mobile energy storage facility. Similar solutions have been implemented in locations like San Diego, where eight buses serve as energy storage units. Pilot projects and research in the V2G technology domain are underway in various countries, including Great Britain, Australia, Denmark, and Japan.

Charging Park in Bolechowo; source: Solaris

Infrastructure needed immediately

According to the electromobility counter provided by PSPA, as of April 2023, there are currently 2,768 charging stations in Poland. This represents a significant increase compared to just three years ago when the number was more than twice as low. The dynamic development of the EV charging infrastructure is certainly a reason for optimism, but it still falls short of meeting the growing needs.

The same electromobility counter indicates that in April 2020, there were slightly over 11,000 electric cars on Polish roads. Fast forward to the present, and this number has surged to 73,695. This impressive growth rate, likely to accelerate further, underscores the imperative for investment in charging stations and network flexibility to sustain the ongoing e-mobility revolution.

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